Resonator networks for improved label detection, computation, analyte sensing, and tunable random number generation

Abstract

The present disclosure provides resonator networks adapted to a variety of applications. The networks include fluorophores, quantum dots, dyes, plasmonic nanorods, or other optical resonators maintained in position relative to each other by a backbone (e.g., a backbone composed of DNA). The networks may exhibit optical absorption and re-emission according to specified temporal decay profiles, e.g., to provide temporally-multiplexed labels for imaging or flow cytometry. The networks can include resonators that exhibit a dark state, such that the behavior of the network can be modified by inducing the dark state in one or more resonators. Such networks could be configured as logic gates or other logical elements, e.g., to provide multiplexed detection of analytes by a single network, to permit the temporal decay profile of the network to be adjusted (e.g., to use the networks as a controllable random number generator), or to provide other benefits.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A label comprising:
 a plurality of input resonators, wherein input resonators of the plurality of input resonators are disposed within the label proximate to each other such that the input resonators can transmit energy between each other; 
 a receptor, wherein the receptor is an antibody, aptamer, or protein; and 
 a backbone, 
 wherein the receptor selectively interacts with an analyte of interest to permit detection of the presence, amount, or location of the analyte of interest in a sample, wherein the input resonators, and the receptor are coupled to the backbone, and wherein the backbone maintains relative locations of the input resonators such that energy can be transmitted between the input resonators when the receptor is bound to an analyte. 
 
     
     
       2. The label of  claim 1 , wherein the backbone comprises two strands of DNA that are at least partially complementary. 
     
     
       3. The label of  claim 1 , wherein all of the input resonators of the plurality of input resonators comprise the same fluorophore. 
     
     
       4. The label of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of output resonators, wherein output resonators of the plurality of output resonators are coupled to the backbone, and wherein the backbone maintains relative locations of the input resonators and the output resonators such that energy can be transmitted to each of the output resonators from a respective input resonator of the plurality of input resonators. 
     
     
       5. The label of  claim 4 , wherein the input resonators absorb light at an excitation wavelength, wherein the output resonators emit light at an emission wavelength, and wherein the emission wavelength differs from the excitation wavelength. 
     
     
       6. The label of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of input resonators comprises more than four input resonators. 
     
     
       7. The label of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of input resonators comprises more than thirty input resonators.